ICL launches FruitMag for post-harvest citrus fruit treatment

By using a food-grade magnesia product, ICL is able to eliminate toxic materials and reduce product losses, while increasing shelf life

Israel based ICL, a leading global specialty minerals company, has announced the launch of FruitMag, a sustainable and superior solution for post-harvest citrus fruit treatment. This innovative offering is mineral-based and fungicide free, unlike the products currently used by the global citrus fruit industry. By using a food-grade magnesia product, ICL is able to eliminate toxic materials and reduce product losses, while increasing shelf life.

FruitMag was put through rigorous testing, through a collaboration with the Volcani Institute (Agricultural Research Organization ARO), the research arm of the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture. Professor Samir Droby, a senior research scientist leading the Department of Postharvest Science – and an expert in the development and application of alternative methods for the control of postharvest diseases – worked with ICL to validate the performance of FruitMag.

“Very few consumers know the lemons, oranges and grapefruits sitting in their kitchens have been treated with a toxic fungicide,” said Yaniv Kabalek, president of Industrial Products for ICL. “With FruitMag – one of a series of solutions designed by ICL to address sustainability challenges – ICL has made it possible to reduce product loss, with greater efficacy and in a more sustainable manner.”